Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, G-BMXL

Summary:

The pilot and his passenger were conducting an aerial inspection of a private strip prior to its use by the passenger. No landing was planned. During the inspection the aircraft developed a rough running engine and a landing was made on the strip. The pilot reported that during the subsequent take-off he sensed a sink developing which he associated with the engine problems and so he aborted the take-off, causing substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot was had no recorded training in short field operations and no performance calculations had been made. No reason for the engine problem was found, though conditions were conducive to carburettor icing. Evidence suggested that the aircraft may have become airborne from the rough strip at a low airspeed, and encountered a light tail wind during the climb out.